History and Examination of a Lump

Question 1

History of a lump?

Answer 1

1. when was the lump first noticed
2. what made the patient notice the lump
3. what are the symptoms of the lump
4. has the lump changed since it was first noticed
5. does the lumo ever disappear
6. has the patient ever had any other lumps
7. what does the patient think caused the lump

Question 2

Inspection?

Answer 2

1. number
2. site
3. size
4. shape
   - globular, oval
5. skin over lump
   - atrophy, tense, discoloration
   6, scar
   - biopsy history, trauma
6. draining sinus
7. surrounding
   - changes around the lump
8. cough impulse
9. movement
   - respiration : abdominal lumps
   - deglutition : thyroid mass
   - protrusion : thyroglossal cyst
10. pulsation
11. peristalsis

Question 3

Palpation?

Answer 3

1. temperature
2. tenderness
3. site
4. size
5. shape
6. surface
7. edge of lump
8. consistency
   - hard, firm, soft
9. mobility/fixity
   - regards to underlying structures
   10 lymph nodes

Question 4

Further tests for a soft mass?

Answer 4

1. compressibility
2. reducibility
3. cough impulse
4. pulsatility
5. fluctuation
6. transilumination
7. fluid thrill